U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber — "Wristbreaker" — Shiloh Battlefield Provenance
U.S. Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, commonly known as the "Wristbreaker," with verbal provenance as an early battlefield pickup from the Battle of Shiloh. Fought April 6–7, 1862, Shiloh pitted approximately 45,000 Confederates against 65,000 Union soldiers and resulted in nearly 24,000 casualties. The staggering violence and loss of life shocked the nation, making Shiloh the bloodiest battle in American history up to that time. According to its verbal provenance, this saber was recovered from the Shiloh battlefield. The scabbard and original leather grips are missing, likely from exposure to the elements before its recovery. Measurements: Overall Length: 42" Blade Length: 35½" Provenance Note: The Shiloh battlefield association is based on verbal provenance accompanying the artifact and is not independently documented.